Apple TV+’s Dope Thief puts a refreshing twist on the crime drama genre with top-notch performances and a wicked sense of humor.

Ultimately, Ray and Manny’s chemistry is what keeps viewers invested in this wild rollercoaster of a story that manages to be quirky and intense, as well as heartbreaking with an unexpected, yet conclusive outcome.

It can get a little confusing, and there’s too much responsibility given a character introduced late in the game, which I regard as bad sportsmanship in genre writing. But it will all be explained in the very satisfying end. I’d call the closing scene and final exchange just about perfect, except I’d leave out “just about.”

It’s a dark, bloody thriller with action comedy “put up or get shut-up time” touches. And Henry is a hoot in it.

Ultimately, Dope Thief has an intriguing premise that elevates it beyond your typical drug heist series, and it's carried off by world-class actors. However, some dead weight in the writing could have been shaved off or sharpened up to make a more coherent story.

Dope Thief has great performers, but the rest of it seems intent on maintaining the status quo instead of taking any big chances.

In the end, Dope Thief is yet another series that can’t live up to the more compelling and cohesive HBO dramas it takes inspiration from, a lackluster imitation of the genuine article.